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September October 2007
Welcome to the pages of OUT FRONT MAGAZINE! This issue is very special to me because two of my good friends are on the cover. I had the pleasure of meeting Rob Hardy and Will Packer the summer of 1991. The three of us were in a summer engineering program (Engineering Concepts Institute – ECI) together at Florida A&M University. I remember the first day we met. Rob was very reserved at first, partly because he was homesick of Philly and knowing that his mother would be relocating their family to Bradenton. Will on the other hand was very outgoing and ready for “college life” at the tender age of 17. Unfortunately, you had to be 18 to get in most of the off campus events, and I recall foregoing my nightlife on many occasions just to chill with Will.
At the end of the program, we had to complete a summer project. Our project included a video of our imaginary company’s board meeting filmed, edited and produced by Rob Hardy. I often think back to this day and am just amazed and proud of how far both of those guys have come. Our friendship blossomed over the next five years. We managed to overcome the ups and downs of our college experiences (from excelling in our coursework to getting jacked by Frenchtown locals), becoming integral parts of the illustrious brotherhood and sisterhood organizations, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., respectively, preserving through “breaking hearts” and receiving the “ultimate come around,” surviving with little to no sleep days at a time (like when Rob would make his 2:00 am appearance the morning of the test at Dixon’s with the classic, “LeRoy, tell me everything you know.”) and finally, yes, I said finally, obtaining Bachelors of Science degrees in Engineering, Will in electrical and Rob and I in mechanical.
The things I admire most about Rob and Will are the fact that they had both an “A” and “B” plan as well as successfully completed their education in addition to pursuing their dream. They are the epitome of what hard work, dedication, intellect, focus and just plain “staying on the grind” will do for you. I always knew that they would be successful in their business endeavors, and I am much honored to have had them touch my life. Please get to know the men behind Rainforest Films beginning on page 22.
Humbly submitted by,
Kimberly LeRoy Washington, Publisher
OUT FRONT MAGAZINE will continue to strive in our commitment to give our readers the best coverage of issues, historical events and entertainment that affect the African-American experience. PRAY FOR OUR COMMUNITIES; OUR NATION; OUR WORLD
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